President Obama Announces Release of Updated ADA Rules

July 27, 2010

"To advance opportunity and prosperity for all of our people, to constantly expand the meaning of life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness, to move America forward - That's what we did with the ADA. That is what we do today. And that's what we're going to do tomorrow - together.

President Barack Obama

At a ceremony on the south lawn of the White House celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), President Barack Obama announced the release of updated regulations and standards by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and other administrative initiatives to promote equality for people with disabilities.

"Today, the Department of Justice is publishing two new rules prohibiting disability-based discrimination," the President noted, "and beginning 18 months from now, all new buildings must be constructed in a way that's compliant with the new 2010 standards for the design of doors and windows and elevators and bathrooms -- buildings like stores and restaurants and schools and stadiums and hospitals and hotels and theaters."

The DOJ regulations update ADA standards governing the construction and alteration of facilities covered by the ADA, including places of public accommodation, commercial facilities, and state and local government facilities. The new standards are based on revised minimum guidelines previously established by the Access Board that include supplements for certain types of facilities and sites not addressed before. "For the very first time, these rules will cover recreational facilities like amusement parks and marinas and gyms and golf facilities and swimming pools, and municipal facilities like courtrooms and prisons," Obama stated.

DOJ's regulations allow covered entities the choice of following either the updated standards or the original standards during the first 18 months. After this period of time, use of the 2010 standards will become mandatory. In setting the effective dates, DOJ sought to allow sufficient time for transitioning to the updated standards so as not to disrupt design and construction projects already underway. DOJ's new rules also revise or supplement other sections of its ADA regulations, including those covering existing facilities, service animals, policies and programs, maintenance of accessible features, auxiliary aids and services, and effective communication. The new rules and additional information are available on DOJ's ADA website.

Other Administration Initiatives

President Obama also noted other initiatives to advance the ADA and equal opportunity for people with disabilities, including: